Producer Safety, Environmental Protection, and Community EngagementPlan of Work

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Russell County CES

Title:
Producer Safety, Environmental Protection, and Community Engagement
MAP:
Agriculture Safety & Stewardship
Agents Involved:
Jonathan Oakes
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Chemical Crop Management Tools
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Pesticide Safety – Plant Pests
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Situation:

Citizens are concerned about the health and well-being of their families. Spending habits of families has shifted to entertainment at home rather than taking family vacations due to travel expenses. Some purchases include ATV’s and other vehicles. Farmers are expanding crop acreages and working long hours to get planting and harvesting completed on schedule. Fatigue is a leading cause for farming accidents. In fact, the incidence of farm accidents increases after 4:00 PM when many part-time farmers are going into the fields.

Farm families, workers and their environment are at risk of injury from food-borne illness, pesticide exposure and environmental contamination. Agriculture is the second most dangerous occupation in Kentucky where we have high rates of ATV fatalities and tractor overturns.

The average age of farmers increases each year.  With less young people returning to the farm, older farmers are doing more and more of the work at an older age.

Long-Term Outcomes:
Have agriculture production noted as a low-risk occupation for injury or illness associated with production practices. Reduce hazards to environment related to farming operations. A better understanding of the environmental stewardship and proper safety procedures in the garden or the field.
Intermediate Outcomes:

Private applicators experience no incidence of poisoning or environmental contamination.

No reports of food borne illness from fresh produce.

No ATV injuries involving children.

Adult farmers have less on-farm accidents.

Initial Outcomes:
Provide programs for safe farming practices and create an awareness to protect workers and the environment by use of safe, environmental friendly farming practices. Increase youth awareness of safety procedures related to the farm and vehicle maintenance. Producers know when to spray for what they are targeting and how to properly do so.
Evaluation:
Initial Outcome: Pass a 50 question Private Pesticide Applicator Tests
Indicator: Number of correct answers.
Method: Pre-test/Post Test
Timeline: Yearly

Intermediate Outcome: Youth practice safety procedures and environmental stewardship
Indicator: Accident and environmental measurements
Method: Observation, verbal and written surveys
Timeline: Late Fall

Long-term Outcome: Producers, elected officials, and youth know how to prepare for a disaster.
Indicator:Preparedness level prior to, during, & following a disaster.
Method: Observation, verbal, and written evaluations
Timeline: Yearly
Learning Opportunities:

Audience: 3rd Graders

Project or Activity: Farm Safety Day

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Inputs:

Date: Fall


Audience: Farmers’ Market Vendors & Commercial Vegetable growers

Project or Activity:Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Training

Content or Curriculum: Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Training Materials

Inputs: As Needed

Date:


Audience: Tobacco Producers

Project or Activity: Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Training

Content or Curriculum: Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Training Materials

Inputs:

Date: As Needed


Main Audience: Commercial Farmers

Activity: Pesticide Training

Content or Curriculum: Pesticide Training Materials

Date: As Needed


Main Audience: Business Members

Activity: Ag Advancement Council

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Date: Every Other Month (odd months)


Main Audience: Producers & Leaders

Activity: ANR Program Council

Content or Curriculum: Programming Ideas

Date: Spring & Fall

Main Audience: Women in Agriculture Leaders

Activity: Women Council

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Date: Every other month (even months)


Main Audience: Agri-tourism Businesses

Activity: Legality Training

Content or Curriculum: Insurance needs, contracts, etc.

Date: As Needed


Main Audience: New Beginning Farmers

Activity: Agriculture 101

Content or Curriculum: Soil Testing, Resource Management, Cost-Share Opportunities, etc.

Date: As Needed


Main Audience: Adult Farmers

Activity: Adult Farmer Safety Training

Content: Various Topics

Date: Spring or Fall




Success Stories

Russell County Extension Office Farm Safety Day

Author: Jonathan Oakes

Major Program: ANR Biotechnology

The Russell County landscape is home to an assortment of terrains.  The county is home to large amounts of farmland, woodlands, streams, rivers and a large lake.  Russell County Extension Office held its annual Progressive Farm Safety Day in conjunction with the Progressive Ag Foundation and hosted approximately 240, 3rd grade students from the county.  The farm safety day was also attended by approximately 45 teachers, and community volunteers to help make the day a success.This

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